Last week, I had the pleasure of running into not one but two new ramen shops in Tsim Sha Tsui but I was in such a hurry that I didn't get to try any of them out. I'm thinking tonight is the night.
I didn't do my background check on tonight's dinner venue, Kanzan Menya (神山麵屋) until I sat down in front of the counter table. It turns out to be a direct import from Tokyo best known for its tsukemen, or dipping noodles.
Their signature dish is this "Mount Fuji" shaped tsukemen served with their secret recipe broth.
Their signature dish is this "Mount Fuji" shaped tsukemen served with their secret recipe broth.
Namesake Kanzan Ramen served with slow-cooked barbecued pork belly.
The same Kanzan Ramen but this one with marinated pork (shoulder?).
Two more choices for those who are too lazy to do dipping noodles - Tomato ramen and Shoyu (soy sauce based) ramen.
The chefs are cooking up a storm in front of my watchful eyes.
I am having their signature Kanzan Tsukemen with marinated pork shoulder. This looks amazing! I can smell the aromatic broth from miles away.
The house special broth made with pork bones and dried bonito (likely more dried dish in there) was so sweet and well-balanced.
No question it would work well with the flat noodles and marinated pork.
Look at the beautiful char marks on the pork adding some smokiness to the mix. There was a nice symphony of flavors there thanks to the fresh chives, red miso and onion on top.
Of course, one of the challenges of eating tsukemen (at least for me) is that you have to eat a little faster before the broth cools off. Trying to beat the clock is never easy for a slow noodle slurper like me!
I was mighty impressed with this secret recipe broth. We all know it's made with pork bones and dried fish but it's so perfectly balanced that neither side is really dominating the other.
The soft-boiled egg was perfect.
I have to save the best for last, my smoky pork shoulder. Very very tender. It's a little bit on the fat side but I think we can all tolerate it once in a while.
I have to admit, I wasn't a fan of tsukemen to begin with but this meal could very well be the game changer that would change my perspective on dipping noodles forever. I like the price tag too ($88), finally a nice bowl of Japanese ramen under 100 bucks! And this is a direct import from Tokyo...
Food Rating: 6/10
Price: $$$
Address: G/F Shop A&K and B, Sands Bldg, 12 Peking Road,, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Closest Metro Station: Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2332-0383
Opening Hours: 11:00am - 10:00apm daily
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